The world has been celebrating Christmas and is preparing for the New Year but Sikhs, across the globe, have been remembering the sacrifice of Chaar Sahibzaade. Chaar Sahibzaade, the four sons of the 10th Sikh Guru – Guru Gobind Singh ji; Ajit Singh Ji, Jujhar Singh Ji, Zorawar Singh Ji and Fateh Singh Ji, were martyred between December 21 and December 27 in the year 1704 AD.
These days hold a special memory in the mind and heart of every Sikh and they remember the Chaar Sahibzaade with great vigour and very acute sadness.
If other stories of courage and sacrifice hold an enormous significance then what could one respond to the stories of youngsters aged five, eight, fourteen, and eighteen, who risked their lives to protect the Sikh Panth?
Here is the tale of “Safar-E-Shahdat”:
On the chilly night of December 20th, 1704 AD, Guru Gobind Singh ji, his four sons, his wife – Mata Jeeto ji, Mata Gujari Kaur, Guru’s Mahil, along with Panj Piaras and hundreds of Sikhs left Anandpur Sahib. They left the fort of Anandpur Sahib after Pahaadi King swore on the cow, considered holy in their religion, and the Mughal swore on their holy scripture, Quran and made a promise that they wouldn’t attack the fort.
But as soon as Guru Gobind Singh ji left the fort, Mughals breached the vows and attacked Sikhs at the site of Sarsa river, which was around 25 km away from Anandpur Sahib. Because of this attack, Guru’s family got separated and broke away, the spot of the attack is known as “Pariwar Vichora” and Gurudwara Sahib built in the memory is known as “Gurudwara Pariwar Vichora Sahib”.
Mata Gujri ji and Nikke Sahibzaade – Zorawar Singh Ji & Fateh Singh Ji, were on one side of the river while Guru Gobind Singh ji and Vadde Sahibzaade – Ajit Singh Ji & Jujhar Singh Ji were on the other side. On the other hand, Mata Sundari ji and Mata Sahib Kaur ji went to Delhi along with Bhai Mani Singh ji.
From here, Guru Gobind Singh ji, along with Vadde Sahibzaade, Panj Piaras and 40 Sikhs, proceeded towards Chamkaur, to fight the famous battle of Chamkaur Sahib against Mughal emperor Wazir Khan. They reached there on the afternoon of December 21. While fighting the battle against strong and well-equipped Mughal Army Vadde Sahibzaade, three Panj Piaras and 40 Sikhs attained martyrdom.
At the request of five Sikhs, Guru left the fort. One of the Sikhs, Bhai Sangat Singh ji wore Guru Gobind Singh ji’s poshak (clothes) and Mughals killed him as they mistook him as Guru.
At the same time, other Sikhs were martyred and Nikke Sahibzaade with Mata Gujri ji were left. A servant, Gangoo, saw them from his house and offered them to stay with him. But later, the servant breached their trust and disclosed their location to the Mughals, in exchange for some money.
All three were captured by the Mughals and they kept them in an open tower, which is known as “Thanda Burj”. During these chilling days, they don’t have anything to sleep apart from a strand of straws.
Later, young and juvenile sons were brought towards the Wazir Khan, who was the follower of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He offered them freedom and asked them to change their religion to Islam. Both sons stood steadfast and refused to change their religion, following this Wazir Khan ordered to brick them. Nikke Sahibzaade attained martyred as they were bricked alive and Mata Gujri ji left for the heavenly abode after listening to this news.
This cold-blooded crime happened at Sarzameen of Sirhind, which is now known as “Jyoti Swaroop Gurudwara Sahib” at Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. To commemorate this incident, Shaheedi Jor Mela is organised in Fatehgarh Sahib Gurudwara, every year from December 21 to December 27.
Today, on this occasion CM Charanjit Singh Channi paid obeisance to the Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh and Mata Gujri Ji at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib.